Hospice of the Red River Valley Receives $3,368 Gift from Annual MnDOT Employee Potluck

December 22, 2011

Employees and retirees of the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety and Driver & Vehicle Services in Detroit Lakes held their 17^th annual holiday potluck and drawing for Hospice on December 21, raising $3,368 for Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Each December, the groups transform their lunchroom into a workshop of handcrafted and home-cooked items. Proceeds from the event have raised a total of $17,656 for Hospice of the Red River Valley since the event’s inception in 1995.

Trudy Kordosky, Dana Hanson and Keven Meacham organized the annual event. Current and former employees donated a variety of items for the potluck and drawing, many of them handmade.

A very special entry each year is a handmade quilt, crafted by Teresa Elkin in memory of her father-in-law, E.E. Elkin, who passed away in 2000, under the care of hospice services in Iowa. Her annual quilt donation is a way to honor his memory. Ben Torgerson, from the IT Department at MnDOT, was this year’s winner of the beautiful quilt. Ann Boen also made and donated a quilt in honor of Eugene Meyer, Ann’s late father. Joe Gravelle, from hydraulics at MnDOT, won this quilt.

Border State Bank Employees Raise $700 for Hospice of the Red River Valley

December 7, 2011

The employees of Border State Bank raised $700 for Hospice of the Red River Valley. Through the Judy Dragseth challenge grant and the generosity of local donors, their contribution will be matched for a total gift of $1,400.

The Thief River Falls branch has 19 employees who raise money throughout the year through various activities. This is the second year Border State Bank chose Hospice as the recipient. The donation will be used to provide compassionate end-of-life care to those in Thief River Falls and surrounding communities.

Jessica Porter, a teller at Border State Bank, said they chose Hospice of the Red River Valley as the beneficiary because of the organization’s impact on their community. “Hospice touches so many lives. We support Hospice so they can continue serving our region,” Porter said.

The gift will have a significant impact on hospice care in the area, according to Hospice of the Red River Valley Development Officer Nicolle Aukland. “Border State Bank has demonstrated a wonderful commitment to ensuring hospice care continues long into the future,” Aukland said. “I am hopeful that several others in the community will feel inspired to give donations to be matched.”

Gifts of $500 or more to Hospice of the Red River Valley given in 2011 will be eligible for the matching funds. To learn more about giving a gift to Hospice, visit www.hrrv.org or call 1-800-237-4629.

Frazee and Perham Varsity Girls’ Volleyball Teams Raise $ 2,854 for Hospice of the Red River Valley

October 18, 2011

The Frazee and Perham varsity girls’ volleyball teams raised $2,854 for Hospice of the Red River Valley in memory of Gaylene Smith. The teams have a tradition of raising money at the annual Frazee-Perham match. This year’s match was held on October 4, with all events incorporated with Frazee’s homecoming. Players from each team asked local businesses and families for cash donations and items for a silent auction. Sixty-five businesses donated more than 100 items for sale. Members of the Frazee volleyball team presented the check to Hospice of the Red River Valley on Friday, October 14.

Their choice of supporting Hospice of the Red River Valley is deeply personal. One of the players, 9th grader Katie Smith, is Gaylene’s daughter. Her father first suggested Hospice of the Red River Valley. They quickly agreed and the entire school became involved.

It was important to the teams that the monies raised stayed local; they know all too well the toll cancer can take on families and friends. “It hits close to home,” says one student, “It’s hard to know what to do and what to say when a friend or another students faces such a loss.” They are grateful for the hands-on help and support they saw Hospice of the Red River Valley provide to loved ones and family.

Five Hospice of the Red River Valley Employees Complete National Hospice Certification Exams

October 17, 2011

Five Hospice of the Red River Valley employees have successfully completed National Hospice Certification Exams.

Jennifer Benke, CNA, of Thief River Falls, Minn., Suzann Bristlin, CNA, of Detroit Lakes, Minn., and Holly Williams, CNA, of Mayville, N.D., completed the Palliative Nursing Assistant Certification.

Derek Martin, RN, of Fargo, N.D., and Leah Hochstein, RN, of Detroit Lakes, Minn., completed the Hospice and Palliative Nurse Certification.

The purpose of certification is to promote delivery of comprehensive palliative nursing care through the certification of qualified hospice and palliative professionals. Certification in hospice and palliative care is highly valued and provides formal recognition of hospice and palliative nursing or administration knowledge.

Debbie Gabel Memorial Ride Raises $10,000 for Hospice of the Red River Valley

September 8, 2011

The Thundering Saints have donated $10,000 to Hospice of the Red River Valley, generated from proceeds of the third annual Debbie Gabel Memorial Ride held in Valley City on July 23.

This year’s ride attracted more than 220 motorcycles. The event also included a raffle, silent auction and street dance. The donation will be used to provide compassionate end-of-life care to those in Valley City and surrounding communities. Next year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, July 28, 2012.

For more information, visit: http://www.thunderingsaints.com/

Ole’s Ride Raises $4,620 for Hospice of the Red River Valley

September 6, 2011

The second annual Ole’s Ride was held August 27, 2011, and raised $4,620 to benefit Hospice of the Red River Valley.

The event was in memory of Ole Barten, who lost his battle to cancer in February 2011. Hospice of the Red River Valley cared for Ole during his last months, and the family wanted to use the event as a way to give back to an organization that cares for so many families in the area.

The ride kicked off from Billy’s Corner Bar in Vergas. More than 90 motorcycles participated in the 125-mile ride. Nearly 200 people took part in the various events throughout the day, either as riders, volunteers or other participants.

Moments of special meaning took place throughout the day for Ole Barten’s friends and family. The route included a drive past his final resting place; riders revved their engines and honked their horns as they passed the cemetery. Kris Barten, Ole’s widow and one of the event organizers, recalls finding special meaning during one part of the ride. “Ole worked for the railroad for many years, so it was very meaningful when the entire group of riders was stopped behind a train at a railroad crossing during one point,” she said.

Committee members were Kris Barten, Jessica Sonnenberg (Ole and Kris’ daughter), Justin Helmke, Tyson Sonnenberg, Kevin Flynn, Mud Bervin, Stacy Bervin, Wes Kellogg, Marty Carlson, Kayla Soland, Shawn Nelson, Amy Nelson and Marshall Rach. The ride also had 12 cars of road guards, led by Jeff and Wendy Zitzow, who were responsible for the safety of the bikers.

Next year’s event will be held August 25, 2012 in Vergas. According to Kris Barten, “We hope to make it bigger and better each year.”

Anonymous Donor Makes $31,000 Challenge Gift to Hospice of the Red River Valley in Honor of Volunteer

August 1, 2011

An anonymous donor has made a $31,000 gift to Hospice of the Red River Valley is honor of Judy Dragseth’s 31 years of hospice volunteer service in the Crookston area.

The donation is a challenge gift, and will be used to match gifts of $500 or more to Hospice of the Red River Valley. If all funds are matched, the gift will generate at total of $62,000 to advance to mission of hospice care in the region.

A life-long resident of the Crookston area, Judy began volunteering in 1980 when hospice care was just getting started in Crookston. Thirty-one years later, Judy is still serving hospice patients and their families. Judy was notified of the anonymous donation in her name at a recent birthday luncheon with friends.

The gift will have a significant impact on hospice care in the Crookston area, according to Hospice Development Council Member Jenny Amon. “Judy has spent thirty-one years giving selflessly of her time, care and compassion to countless patients and families in the Crookston area, never expecting anything in return,” Amon says. “What an honor to have someone in the community give so generously to recognize her contributions. I am hopeful that several others in the region will feel inspired to give gifts to be matched by this generous donation.”

Gifts of $500 or more to Hospice of the Red River Valley given in 2011 will be eligible for the matching funds. These gifts will be directed to the endowment fund to ensure hospice care into the future. To learn more about giving a gift to Hospice, visit www.hrrv.org or call 1-800-237-4629.

Volunteer Receives Community Service Award

May 19, 2011

Hospice of the Red River Valley volunteer Lori Sorteberg recently received a Community Service Award from the Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce. She was presented with the award during the Chamber Awards Ceremony on May 17. Community Service Awards are given to members who, through their businesses and organizations, have provided great benefits to the community and its residents. Lori has been a patient care volunteer with Hospice of the Red Valley since 2010. In addition to volunteering for Hospice, she gives her time to several other community organizations. Congratulations, Lori!

Staff Members Earn National Hospice Certification

April 22, 2011

Seven Hospice of the Red River Valley staff members recently earned National Hospice Certification.

Five staff members received the Hospice and Palliative Nurse Certification: Katie Gross, RN, Fargo, N.D.; Kathy Olson, RN, Portland, N.D.; Joanna Grothe, RN, Thief River Falls, Minn.; Deann Anderson, RN, Frazee, Minn.; and Ruby Gramlow, RN, Fullerton, N.D.

Elizabeth Poppenhagen, LPN, West Fargo, N.D., received the Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse Certification. Margaret Winters, CNA, Fargo, N.D., completed the Palliative Nursing Assistant Certification.

Naytahwaush Nightriders Ride for Hospice of the Red River Valley Raises $ 7,848

March 8, 2011

The Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club announced this year’s Ride for Hospice raised $7,848 for Hospice of the Red River Valley. In seven years of the ride, the Nightriders have raised $50,384 to help provide hospice care to patients and families in Naytahwaush and surrounding areas.

This year’s event was held February 11-12, 2011. Thirty riders participated from all over the region. Participants were asked to gather pledges in support of the event. Steve and Judy Paul of Waubun, Minn. were the top fundraisers, raising $1,787 in pledges.

For more information about future events or membership in the Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club, please visit http://www.naytahwaushnightriders.com/.

About the Naytahwaush Nightriders For more than 40 years, the Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club has been working to promote and advance the sport of snowmobiling. The Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club works with snowmobilers, resorts, businesses, government units and local land owners to develop, build and maintain a network of snowmobile trails for recreational use. The Naytahwaush Nightriders are proud to be affiliated with MnUSA (Minnesota United Snowmobiling Association).

About Hospice of the Red River Valley Hospice of the Red River Valley is an independent, not-for-profit hospice serving all or portions of 29 counties in North Dakota and Minnesota. Hospice care is intensive comfort care that alleviates pain and suffering, enhancing quality of life for terminally ill patients and families by addressing their medical, emotional, spiritual and grief needs. For more information, call toll free 800-237-4629, e-mail questions@hrrv.org or visit www.hrrv.org.

Year: 2011